- Published:
- Wednesday 26 June 2024
The Allan Labor Government is backing more community-led projects in Victoria’s tiny towns, with more than 200 new initiatives set to make our smallest communities even better places to live, work, stay and play.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today joined Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas at the Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House to announce the first recipients of the Labor Government’s $20 million Tiny Towns Fund.
The program’s first round is bringing to life more than 180 projects in rural and regional towns, and over 20 projects in outer metropolitan towns bordering the regions, each with fewer than 5,000 residents. The successful projects celebrate each community’s local spirit and will drive visitation to these vibrant towns.
From local hall upgrades to sports club renovations, community and non-profit groups and councils are eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to get these community-driven projects off the ground.
Mount Macedon locals will be able to run the Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House gardens as part of a volunteer gardening program, which is supported through a grant of almost $39,000 and builds on previous support from the Government to upgrade the community house.
In Glenrowan, we’re adding to our investment that created the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, with a $50,000 grant for an augmented reality experience that will immerse visitors in the stories of the Kelly Gang’s final siege in 1880.
In Orbost, $50,000 will support Orbost Exhibition Centre on the Snowy River Inc. to retrofit their existing performing arts space to attract touring exhibitions and deliver quality big screen film events, boosting the local tourism offering.
The Gargarro Botanic Garden will receive over $30,000 to deliver interpretive and directional signage, including an Acknowledgement of Country, to further enhance visitor experience while exploring the gardens.
In Kallista, the Mechanics Hall will be brought back to life with upgrades to the kitchen, bathroom, and floors, along with a ramp to improve access to the hall for people of all abilities.
The Government’s Tiny Towns Fund is just one of the ways we’re creating stronger communities, more tourism opportunities and backing more local jobs, with our $25 million Council Support Package also helping get shovel-ready projects off the ground in our regional cities and surrounding towns.
The fund is a part of the Government’s record $45 billion investment since 2014 in projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria to be an even better place to live, work, stay and play.
For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“We’re helping our tiniest towns reach their full potential with so many community-driven projects that will upgrade local facilities and encourage more visitors to Victoria’s vibrant regions.”
Quote attributable to Minister for the Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny
“Whether it’s upgrades to local sporting facilities, playgrounds or halls – we’re investing in the projects that communities are asking for to ensure our suburbs remain great places to live, work and play.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals are passionate about can become a reality."